Full document / COSOC-W-86-002 - the National Sea Grant Library

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U.S. Highway 98 damage estimates wore $750,000 for Hurricane Elena and
$1,500,000 to $2,250,000 for hurricane Kate. The 1985 hurricanes result
ed in $2,500,000 to $3,000,000 in damages to the St. George Island Cause
way. Miscellaneous highway damages in Gulf County amounted to $50,000
(Spangenbcrg, 1986).
Conclusion
Tho 198S Gulf of Mexico hurricanes were both environmentally and eco
nomically devastating. In the Central and Eastern Gulf of Mexico areas,
coastal erosion and land loss were tremendous. Wildlife losses wero
fairly heavy in tho Central Gulf aroa but appeared to bo less in the
Eastern Gulf area. Oyster resources were heavily Impacted in the Central
Gulf area (Mobile Bay) as well as in the Eastern Gulf area (Apalachicola
Bay). The oil and gas industries suffered millions of dollars in losses
in the Central Gulf. Wildlife facilities and parks suffered heavy
economic losses in both areas. Likewise, highway damages in both areas
wore in the millions of dollars. Agricultural damagos wore heavy in
tho Central Gulf area. The 1985 hurricane season serves to underscore
the continued importance of sound evacuation procedures and safety
measures for the offshore industry, fishermen, wildlifo managers and
local residential coanunities.